| | DECEMBER 2024MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM9Classroom simulations, whether virtual or in-person, can be created in a fairly simple way. For example, an L&D team created a change management challenge where small teams were faced with a scenario and every 15 minutes, a new twist (change) was introduced to the challenge. The VP of operations (a persona within the group) had to deliver the new information and work with the group to effectively manage the new change that was introduced. A debrief at the end of the exercise provided more information on the decisions made and alternatives to consider to be more effective. The teams were quickly able to see how their decisions impacted the entire process. The challenge itself was created with character cards, change objectives and the interval information. This can be done virtually or in-person, and can be customized to the roles within the group. The biggest expense is the time it takes to create the scenario that mimics an actual problem your company faces on a daily basis. A second example that is great for virtual instruction is to create a simple game in your development software such as Storyline. In this leadership game for developing leaders, teams in breakout rooms are presented with a recorded scenario with interactions between a manager and her direct reports. The teams are then presented with responses that are good/better/best. Each answer could be acceptable but one contains elements that would produce the best outcome. Teams are awarded points for their selections, with the best answer providing the most points. Debriefs after each scenario help the entire group understand why an answer fell into each of those categories and groups can explain why they chose their solution.The scenario video provides an opportunity to display emotions and thoughts behind the personas as well as some different choices that aren't all bad. The debrief provides immediate feedback on what worked and what might have worked even better. An advanced version might be to have teams play multiple times until they consistently choose the best answer.For eLearning, branching scenarios provide the perfect opportunity for learners to practice multiple times and to get immediate feedback on decisions or actions. Branching can be complicated to create a first, but with a little bit of practice, becomes easier over time. It is also very customizable for a specific role, so the same scenario can be used over and over, with branching available for customer service, salespeople, managers, or other roles within your organization.Simulations have been shown to build confidence and improve decision-making abilities within leaders and other employees, and can be built fairly easily with a good learning and development team. All good simulations begin with an authentic case study or scenario that is relevant to the company and the individual. Simulations take other learning methods to the next level by personalizing the process, allowing for immediate feedback on mistakes and providing a measurement for the trainer to know how well concepts are being applied. Using DIY methods can help save time and money, and be re-purposed over and over. Simulations have been shown to build confidence and improve decision-making abilities within leaders and other employees, and can be built fairly easily with a good learning and development teamColleen Berish
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